Stories

8 dog-friendly walking trails in Adelaide

March 06, 2019

With Million Paws Walk almost upon us, it’s time to shed that summer holiday weight and get active with your number one fan – your pooch! Get yourself motivated while listening to our pawfectly curated Spotify playlist, then embark on some of the best walking trails Adelaide has to offer.

1. Million Paws Walk

Flock to Victoria Park on Sunday, 19 May to join 5,000 people and their doggos on a two or four-kilometer walk that raises much-needed funds for animals in need. After the walk, you and your furbaby can enjoy a village style atmosphere showcasing everything that RSPCA South Australia has to offer, including stallholders, food and drink, a main stage with live entertainment, doggy games, kids activities, dog agility demonstrations and much more. Plus, everyone gets a doggy bag to take home thanks to Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Register for the walk here.

2. Marino Conservation Park

This unique walking trail spans 7.2km from North Marino to South Hallett Cove. It conserves the last remaining stands of vegetation along this beautiful part of Adelaide’s coastline and is known for its rocky coast, small coves and rocky cliffs. If you’re after scenic views overlooking Brighton, Glenelg, Grange and the Marino Rocks Lighthouse – this walk was made for you! Be sure to take the lead and keep your dog under effective control.

3. Blackwood Forest Recreation Park

Blackwood Forest Recreation Park is a protected area located about 12km south of the Adelaide, in the suburb of Hawthorndene. The walking track is a 1.4km circuit (about a 45-minute walk) that winds through both pine forest and open land. What’s best about this park? It’s a dog off-leash zone! You’re furry friend will have the time of their life exploring the forest trails on offer.

Photo: @theo_germanshepherd

4. Morialta Conservation Park

Just 10km east of Adelaide, Morialta is a well-loved recreational escape with plenty to see and do for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to have a picnic, admire the flora and fauna, hike or even rock climb, Morialta has it all. The main attraction is three breathtaking waterfalls with woodlands, gorges and gullies to explore around them. The waterfalls are best viewed in spring time and are linked with walking trails between each, totalling to a 7.5km hike (about four hours). Dogs on leashes are allowed in the recreation area of the park.

Photo: @kellyprattt

5. Belair National Park

Belair National Park is South Australia’s oldest national park, located 13km South of Adelaide. Its large proximity and preserved vegetation makes for plenty to see and do in the great outdoors. There are facilities to have a picnic or barbecue, an adventure playground for the kids or sporting facilities available to hire. There are multiple walking and mountain bike trails to suit all levels of fitness, and you can bring your dog or even your horse! Entry via foot or bike is free, with a small entry fee charged for cars.

Photo: @rosey_mac

6. Anstey Hill

Located 19km north-east of Adelaide in Tea Tree Gulley, this protected area offers 362 hectares of unique features, including the ruins of the original Newman’s Nursery, abundant bird life and western grey kangaroos and koalas, who call this area home. This park conserves rare vegetation, which was once prominent throughout the Adelaide Plains and Mount Lofty Ranges. There are plenty of bike and hiking trails to suit any fitness level and to challenge to even the most advanced rider or hiker. With a hike map and classifications available, you will be able to create your own route to suit yourself (or your doggo). Be sure wander along the Water Gully to check out the breathtaking views of the quarry.

Photo: @yes.ngo

7. Brownhill Recreation Park

Located just 8km south of Adelaide, Brownhill Creek Park boasts a 51 hectare escape from the city. The park features narrow creeks that flow through a steep valley lined with majestic river red gums that are over 300 years old. Keep your furry companion on the leash while you explore the popular bushland that hosts a small, threatened ecosystem of greybox grassy woodland.

Photo: @m.alanne

8. Greenhill Recreation Park

Located approximately 7km east of Adelaide in the suburb of Greenhill, this small park borders Chambers Gully and Cleland Conservation Park. The panoramic views of the Adelaide Plains are what gives this park its appeal. Dogs kept under effective control are welcome too.

And remember: if you want to walk with thousands of people and their pooches to fight animal cruelty, #millionpawswalk is a fun day out! This year, on Sunday, May 19, we’ll celebrate furry friends and come together to raise much-needed funds to help care for the 10,000 animals who come through our doors each year. Get more information and register here.